### Ja Morant's Stellar Return Sparks Grizzlies' Victory in London The Memphis Grizzlies faced off against the Orlando Magic in London on January 18, 2026, marking the first NBA regular-season game in the city since 2019. Ja Morant made a triumphant return to the court after a six-game absence due to a right calf injury, scoring 24 points and dishing out 13 assists. His performance was pivotal in leading the Grizzlies to a 126-109 victory, avenging their previous loss to the Magic just days earlier in Berlin. Jock Landale and Jaren Jackson Jr. also contributed significantly, scoring 21 and 17 points, respectively. For the Magic, Anthony Black led with 19 points, while Wendell Carter Jr. and Paolo Banchero added 18 and 16 points, respectively, but it wasn't enough to secure a win [https://apnews.com/article/magic-grizzlies-score-london-c08d1ef3cc119512d8345b55c127b2b2][https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/morant-shines-grizzles-top-magic-213201479.html]. ### Breakdown of the Game's Key Elements 1. **Ja Morant's Return** - Morant returned from injury, having missed six games due to a right calf contusion. He was placed on a minutes restriction but still managed to make a significant impact on the game [https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/ja-morant-trending-vs-magic-154821788.html][https://www.thesportsleader.com/2026/01/18/grizzlies-star-g-ja-morant-to-return-vs-magic-in-london]. 2. **Game Performance** - The Grizzlies dominated the game, showcasing a strong offensive performance. Morant's 24 points and 13 assists were complemented by Landale's 21 points and Jackson Jr.'s 17 points, contributing to a well-rounded team effort [https://dailymemphian.com/section/sportsmemphis-grizzlies/article/59104/memphis-grizzlies-orlando-magic-london-win]. 3. **Magic's Struggles** - Despite a valiant effort from the Magic, including notable performances from Black, Carter Jr., and Banchero, they could not keep pace with the Grizzlies' scoring [https://apnews.com/article/magic-grizzlies-score-london-c08d1ef3cc119512d8345b55c127b2b2][https://www.olympics.com/en/news/ja-morant-memphis-grizzlies-orlando-magic-london-results]. 4. **Historical Context** - This game was significant as it was the first NBA regular-season game in London since 2019, highlighting the league's efforts to expand its global reach [https://www.skysports.com/nba/news/12040/13495880/nba-london-ja-morant-stars-on-return-as-memphis-grizzlies-beat-orlando-magic-on-uk-soil]. ### Summary of Findings - **Ja Morant's Impact**: Morant's return was crucial for the Grizzlies, as he not only scored effectively but also facilitated plays, leading to a double-double performance. His presence on the court reinvigorated the team, which had been struggling prior to his return. - **Team Dynamics**: The Grizzlies displayed a cohesive team effort, with multiple players contributing to the scoreline, indicating a strong collective performance that could bode well for their future games. - **Magic's Performance**: The Orlando Magic, while showing individual talent, struggled to maintain consistency against a revitalized Grizzlies team, which could be a concern moving forward. 1. **Morant's Return**: His performance was a key factor in the Grizzlies' success. 2. **Team Performance**: The Grizzlies showed depth and resilience. 3. **Magic's Challenges**: The Magic need to improve their overall team play to compete effectively. In conclusion, Ja Morant's return not only marked a personal triumph but also served as a catalyst for the Grizzlies' victory in London, setting a positive tone for the remainder of their season [https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/nba/grizzlies/2026/01/18/grizzlies-magic-live-score-updates-ja-morant-highlights/88238526007][https://www.hoopsfix.com/2026/01/grizzlies-blow-out-magic-in-nba-london-return-2026].